The California Poppy Early settlers saw poppy-covered hills and believed they

had found the Golden State.

California's long association with gold

make "The Golden State" a natural nickname for the state.

From the naming of the state in the 16th

century to the California Gold Rush of 1848 and the

fields of yellow poppies (official state flower) that bloom

in the springtime, gold, in one form or

another, has been intertwined with the

history and development of California.

The state legislature made "The Golden State"

the official nickname of California in 1968.
"The Golden State" is not the only nickname that

has been associated with California.

Over the years, California has been referred

as "The Land of Milk and Honey"

and "The El Dorado State" and "The Grape State."

These nicknames served at various

times to promote business and tourism for the state of California.